Life Cycle Management

Life Cycle Management Analysis

Apple-iPod

Jonathan Willis

  AXIA University of Phoenix

1.

For several years now, Apple Computers Inc. introduced the iPod into the market for music players, and created the new must have pop icon.

The iPods were introduced in 2001 and has since grown into a recognized cultural symbol. Designed and marketed by Apple Computer Inc. iPod is a brand of digital, audio, and video players that stands apart from the rest because of their user friendly interface and sleek design but consumers can carry his/hers entire music collection and more in his/hers pockets. Apple Computer already has a huge following of loyal customers; the iPod has created a new generation of Apple fanatics whom are not able get enough of the iPod and all the iPod attachments that have since developed.

The iPod is currently in the growth stage of its product life cycle. Statistics have shown a steady growth rate. Sales in 2002 $ 140,000, 2003 $ 939,000, 2004 $ 4,416,000, 2005 $ 22,497,000, 2006 $14,043,000. Although their sales have decreased from 2005 -2006 since then it has had a significant increase in the volume of sales for the iPod, this is a good sign for that means the iPod market is expanding. There appears to be a public awareness of the Apple iPod worldwide. Increasing competitors are also being incorporated into the market. Some of the competitors include Pandora, Sony, and Dell. Which all create similar type players whom incorporate functionality and design. Some of these are household names but none has been able to succeed as well as the iPod. None of these brand names compete with the loyalty the people have for Apple.  

Part of the iPod secret is the iTunes software, in which music can be downloaded into the iPod. It has a library of millions of songs that range in a widely diverse genre of music.

2.

Other businesses’ have tried to revive this musical downloadable concept but have not since been able...